Bugaje to Buhari: I am too busy to accept ambassadorial nomination

Usman Bugaje, an ambassadorial nominee from Katsina state, has given a reason why he turned down President Muhammadu Buhari’s offer.

He has declined to speak to the media on his decision.

But on his Facebook page on Wednesday, the holder of PhD in history thanked Buhari for the appointment, but he said he could not accept it because his hands were full.

“Regarding the published nomination for an ambassadorial posting, I have not spoken to the press and may not do so anytime soon,” he wrote.

“I thank those who think me fit for the job, but I have so much in my hands already, especially the Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP), which is the only broad platform in the north driving development.

“I have weighed the options and have decided to remain home and continue the struggle for development and good governance.”

Pauline Tallen, former deputy governor of Plateau state, had also rejected her ambassadorial appointment, citing lack of “proper consultation and the need to take care of her ailing husband” as the reasons for her decision.

On Monday, governors elected on the All Progressives‎ Congress (APC) platform met with Buhari to express their concerns over the list of ambassadorial nominees.

But the president told them to put their concerns in writing.

Akintunde Akinwande, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has also turned down his appointment as‎ the chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).